A Day in the Life . . .

A Personal Journey Through the English Renaissance

Process:

1. Look over the listed cast of characters who will inhabit our little community and select one with which to work.  Remember that it takes all kinds of citizens to make the world turn smoothly, so don't discount how interesting the "lesser" people may be.  In addition, since "no man is an island" (John Donne), living isolated from others, you will surely fill up your diary describing encounters with others in your life. (An employer, a spouse, a child, a merchant, a fellow worker?)

2. Evaluate your character from the description provided to determine his/her station in life.

3. Begin to browse the resource table to gather information helpful to your research goal.  Some sites will not be helpful to you, or perhaps only indirectly, so that you capture another character in your work authentically.  Research as many aspects of that person's "life" as possible.

4. Complete a Research Notes Worksheet by creating a word document and then using the commands "copy" and "paste" to record your findings in an organized way as you navigate your way through the resources provided.  For each "note", highlight the URL and use the command "copy" then place it onto your document and then command "paste" to place it on the page.  To capture text, do the same, highlighting the portion of the text you need, then copying and pasting it onto your worksheet.  Finally, paraphrase the information in your own words.

5. While there will certainly be room for creativity in deciding what to include or leave out of your account of September 13, 1597, some requirements remain:

    * Each character should have an an appropriate name, so be sure to research naming customs.

    * At least one item of clothing must be mentioned in the diary entry.

    * At least one meal or snack must be described in detail. (It could be one you prepared, ate, served, or purchased.)

    * You must account for your day:  What occupied your time?  Be as specific as possible.  Describe the feelings, troubles, and triumphs of your day.  Little anecdotes about these will give a richness and texture to your work.

    * Allow your character some free time for leisure and entertainment, as is appropriate for that character.  Describe what your character does for fun or relaxation.

    * Recount dialogue between characters that incorporates period sayings and language common to this era. Be sure to review dialogue rules if you are unsure how to write conversation.

6. 6.Some optional resources are provided for you to build your character's "character", such as details on the home you live in, family life, love, intrigue, hobbies or vices, money, education (if any!) and, of course, religious beliefs.
   

7. You are also asked to prepare a MySpace profile of your character that will be posted on a wiki. Your profile should include the following information about your character:  a picture, a name and possibly a nickname for your character, your age and birthday, and other pertinent information about your interests and favorites including what you like to do in your free time, entertainment, books, a favorite play, food, general interests, family life, and a person you would most like to meet. On the wiki, keep in mind that everyone can view everything you add, so please keep your information and pictures school appropriate. Also, keep in mind that what you add to the profiles of others can be tracked as well. Please do not edit the profiles of others. This is a great opportunity to share and view one another’s ideas; let’s enjoy it!